John Harbaugh: A Potential Game-Changer for the Miami Dolphins?

The Allure of Miami

With no income taxes and a sunny climate, the Miami Dolphins have an appealing offer for coaching candidates. This year’s coaching vacancy creates a unique opportunity, especially with the potential recruitment of John Harbaugh, the former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

Why Harbaugh Could Choose Miami

The Dolphins are one of the few teams actively searching for both a head coach and a general manager. This dual vacancy uniquely positions the Dolphins to attract candidates who want control over their front office, allowing Harbaugh the chance to select his preferred GM.

• General Manager Candidates: One of the leading contenders for the GM role is Chad Alexander, the current assistant GM of the Los Angeles Chargers. Having previously worked with Harbaugh in Baltimore, his connection to the coach is a significant factor.

Dolphins Shakeup: Recent Changes

Just recently, owner Stephen Ross dismissed Mike McDaniel after a disappointing four-season tenure, making the Dolphins the eighth team with a coaching vacancy. As reported by ESPN’s Peter Schrager, the Dolphins had not reached out to Harbaugh as of midweek, but that is expected to change soon.

Advantages of the Dolphins’ Opening

The Dolphins, alongside the Atlanta Falcons, are one of only two teams with simultaneous vacancies for both head coach and GM. This could be tempting, especially for coaching candidates like Harbaugh, who prefer to work collaboratively in shaping their administrative and player personnel framework.

Seeking Control in Front Office Decisions

Multiple teams operate under a structure where the head coach must work with an established GM, which can be limiting. In contrast, a position at Miami would enable Harbaugh to help select a GM with whom he aligns philosophically, increasing the chances for a successful partnership.

• Competitive Landscape: Unlike the Giants, who might pair Harbaugh with Joe Schoen—who faces scrutiny in his current position—the Dolphins offer a clean slate, thereby appealing more to candidates seeking control.

Chad Alexander: The Right Fit?

Chad Alexander’s experience in Baltimore makes him a strong candidate for the GM role. His professional journey includes 20 years in various player personnel positions, culminating in his promotion to assistant director of pro personnel.

• Connection with Harbaugh: The two collaborated on a Super Bowl victory during the 2012 season, further solidifying the trust that would exist between a new head coach and GM.

A Complicated Rebuilding Process

While the front office situation may be attractive, the Dolphins still face challenges on the field. The uncertainty surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, coupled with a roster needing significant upgrades, raises concerns about the team’s rebuilding process.

Current Team Performance

The Dolphins finished with a 7-10 record this past season, landing third in the AFC East and holding the No. 11 pick in the upcoming draft—a draft class that lacks the star power of previous years.

• Rebuilding Essentials: Harbaugh will need to assess the level of rebuilding he’s prepared to manage in this next chapter of his coaching career.

Conclusion: The Decision Ahead

With multiple factors weighing into his potential move to Miami, John Harbaugh’s choice will be pivotal not just for his career, but for the future of the Dolphins. The combination of a desirable location, control over the front office, and the opportunity to reform a team can be especially enticing for a seasoned coach.

As the Dolphins look for leadership that can turn their fortunes around, Harbaugh could be the impactful choice they’ve been searching for. For more details on John Harbaugh’s coaching journey, check out NFL.com and stay tuned as the Dolphins’ coaching saga unfolds.

Note: This article serves as an analysis of potential coaching changes within the Miami Dolphins and highlights the appealing aspects related to the position.